Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Also called: Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cadastral Mapper, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Cartographic Drafter, Cartography Technician
Median pay
$81,390
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$53,740 – $126,950
People employed
14,260
Holland code
CIR
Conventional · Investigative · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (41 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What cartographers and photogrammetrists do
- 01Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- 02Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- 03Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- 04Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- 05Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- 06Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from cartographers and photogrammetrists
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians90% · group pay
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists85% · group pay
- Geographers83% · +25%
- Remote Sensing Technicians81% · group pay
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters80% · −6%
Change into cartographers and photogrammetrists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians90% · $116,580
- Remote Sensing Technicians86% · $62,280
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists85% · $122,570
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians84% · $54,240
- Geographers80% · $102,040
Majors that lead here
- Surveying Engineering
- Surveying Technology/Surveying
- Signal/Geospatial Intelligence
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Geographic Information Science and Cartography
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.